YOUNGSTOWN — Opening a business during a global crisis is never ideal. But for Brightview Health, a comprehensive outpatient addiction treatment provider, opening new centers here and in Warren in 2020 was particularly important.
The need for addiction treatment exploded as isolation and stress fueled alcohol and substance abuse, says Colin Jeffries, marketing director of the Cincinnati-based company which has 34 locations throughout Ohio and Kentucky.
Because treatment often requires immediate care, patients can call 24/7 or walk into a center any weekday until 3 pm. In less than four hours, a patient in withdrawal will receive medication (if appropriate), complete their first counseling session, and begin their recovery.
Enter the pandemic. Transportation options dwindled, temporary housing all but disappeared, and the fear of venturing out for non-emergency medical care stranded many Mahoning Valley residents struggling with substance abuse.
BrightView was determined not to let these new hurdles stop people who wanted care from getting it. It redoubled its efforts to tell patients, medical providers, counselors, law enforcement, and other agencies that the new Youngstown and Warren centers were open for in-person care – with full precautions. BrightView also expanded its telehealth systems to deliver encrypted videoconferencing for the counseling, case management, peer support, medical appointments, and group therapy that are essential for long-term recovery.
Today, BrightView is serving nearly 200 Valley patients in person and via telehealth. The company’s community managers are strengthening partnerships with other agencies, law enforcement, social services, and medical providers to create a full continuum of care for patients.
BrightView employs 33 in the Mahoning Valley, with locations at 930 Trailwood Drive in Youngstown and 1924 E. Market St. in Warren